from κατά and ὁράω; to behold fully, i.e. (figuratively) distinctly apprehend:--clearly see.
Transliteration:kathoráō
Pronunciation:kath-or-ah'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καθοράω (kathoráō), Strong's `{{G2529}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "thoroughly," and the verb ὁράω (horáō), meaning "to see" or "to perceive." This compound structure inherently intensifies the action of seeing, implying a perception that is not merely superficial but complete, thorough, and undeniable. The prefix κατά in this context functions as an intensifier, suggesting a seeing *down into* or *all the way through* something, leading to a full and distinct apprehension. Therefore, καθοράω conveys the sense of "to behold fully," "to perceive distinctly," or "to apprehend clearly." It moves beyond simple visual perception to an intellectual or spiritual comprehension that leaves no room for doubt or ambiguity regarding what is seen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb καθοράω (kathoráō) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly significant, found in Paul's epistle to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 1:20]]**: "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been *clearly seen* (καθοράω), being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
In this pivotal verse, Paul asserts that humanity, from the very beginning of creation, has had clear and unmistakable access to certain truths about God. The objects of this clear seeing are "God's invisible qualities" (τὰ ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ), specifically His "eternal power" (ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις) and "divine nature" (καὶ θειότης). These attributes, though not physically visible, are *καθοράω* – clearly and distinctly perceived – through the tangible reality of the created world (ἀπὸ κτίσεως κόσμου ... τοῖς ποιήμασιν νοούμενα καθορᾶται). The use of καθοράω here emphasizes that this perception is not a vague intuition or a faint impression, but a robust, evident, and irrefutable apprehension. The clarity of this revelation is such that it renders humanity "without excuse" (ἀναπολογήτους). It speaks to a universal, self-evident testimony of God's existence and attributes, accessible to all who observe the natural order with an open mind.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate καθοράω (kathoráō), it is helpful to consider its relationship to other Greek words for seeing and knowing:
* **ὁράω (horáō)** `{{G3708}}`: The base verb, meaning "to see," "to perceive," or "to look at." While ὁράω can imply mental perception, καθοράω intensifies this, adding the nuance of thoroughness and clarity.
* **βλέπω (blepō)** `{{G991}}`: Often refers to physical sight, "to look," "to see." While it can extend to mental perception, it lacks the inherent intensiveness of καθοράω regarding the clarity of apprehension.
* **νοέω (noeō)** `{{G3539}}`: Meaning "to perceive," "to understand," "to comprehend" with the mind. In [[Romans 1:20]], καθοράω is paired with νοούμενα (being understood), indicating that the clear seeing leads to a mental apprehension. This suggests that καθοράω bridges physical observation with intellectual understanding.
* **γινώσκω (ginōskō)** `{{G1097}}`: Meaning "to know," often implying experiential or relational knowledge. While γινώσκω denotes a deeper, more personal knowledge, καθοράω describes the initial, clear perception that makes such knowledge possible or renders ignorance inexcusable.
The distinctiveness of καθοράω lies in its emphasis on the *clarity* and *unmistakable nature* of the perception. It's not just seeing, but seeing *so clearly* that understanding inevitably follows, making denial impossible.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of καθοράω (kathoráō) in [[Romans 1:20]] is of immense theological importance, forming a cornerstone of Paul's argument regarding humanity's universal culpability before God.
1. **General Revelation:** This verse is a primary biblical text supporting the doctrine of general revelation. It posits that God has revealed Himself sufficiently through His creation for all people to discern His existence, power, and divine nature. The "clear seeing" (καθοράω) of these attributes implies that the evidence is so compelling that it is universally accessible and understandable.
2. **Human Accountability:** Because God's attributes are *clearly seen* and *understood* through creation, humanity is rendered "without excuse" (ἀναπολογήτους). This means that ignorance of God cannot be legitimately pleaded as a defense. The clarity of God's self-disclosure through the natural world removes any basis for denying His existence or rejecting His authority.
3. **Foundation for Special Revelation:** While general revelation through creation reveals God's power and divine nature, it does not provide the full redemptive knowledge found in special revelation (e.g., in Scripture and in Christ). However, the clarity of general revelation, as underscored by καθοράω, establishes humanity's need for a savior and prepares the ground for the Gospel message. It highlights the inherent human tendency to suppress this clearly seen truth in unrighteousness, leading to the need for divine intervention.
4. **Divine Wisdom and Power:** The fact that God's "eternal power and divine nature" are *clearly seen* through what has been made speaks volumes about the wisdom and power embedded in creation itself. The universe is not a silent or ambiguous witness; rather, it actively and clearly testifies to its Creator.
### Summary
The Greek verb καθοράω (kathoráō), Strong's `{{G2529}}`, signifies a perception that is exceptionally clear, thorough, and undeniable. It describes not merely seeing, but distinctly apprehending or fully comprehending something. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 1:20]] is profoundly significant, asserting that God's invisible attributes—His eternal power and divine nature—have been *clearly seen* by humanity through the created world since the dawn of time. This "clear seeing" renders all people without excuse for their failure to acknowledge and honor God. Theologically, καθοράω underscores the clarity and universality of general revelation, establishing the foundation for human accountability before a God who has made Himself undeniably evident through the very fabric of existence.
TRV